August 06, 2012

Cowboys LB Albright also being trained at TE

Cowboys linebacker Alex Albright received a look at tight end during Monday’s afternoon practice, his first time to line up as an offensive player since he was a running back in junior high.

“But I got too tall for that,” said Albright (6-foot-5, 260 pounds), a second-year pro from Boston College. “It’s been a while since I carried the ball.”

It’s been even longer since he caught a pass. He’s never played tight end but welcomes the opportunity.

“It was a little awkward at first. But the more I got into it, the more comfortable I got in the stance,” Albright said. “The coaches told me to just try it out and see how it feels. There’s some young guys in that position and it’s an opportunity. Other teams do it, too. So we’re just going with that philosophy and seeing how it works out.”

Using linebackers as goal-line tight ends has been common in the NFL, made notably with the success of Mike Vrabel during his time in New England. Albright said he’s not ready for that comparison … yet.

“I don’t think anyone’s the next Mike Vrabel,” Albright said. “I’m just honored with the opportunity that they’re trying me out everywhere. That’s always a common theme in the NFL, the more you can do. So I’m embracing that aspect of it as a new challenge. It’s new for me. Playing behind Jason Witten and learning from Jason Witten … What better teacher do you need?”